Vol. 2 No. 1, April 2025

Exploring Health Dimensions of Physical Activity during Worship Sessions in Selected Faith-Based Organizations in Southwest, Nigeria

Onwuama, M.A.C. / Ogunsemore, M.A. / Awoyinfa, J.O. / Adewunmi, C.M. / Ajibola, G.S. / Omojuwa, A.I. / Owolewa, M.O. & Osadebe, S.

Abstract

To consciously utilize bodily movement for improved health outcomes and disease prevention among members of faith-based organizations is the object of this action research. This cross-sectional descriptive survey investigated extent of participation in physical activity during worship sessions and perceived effects on dimensions of health among members of selected faith-based organizations in South-West, Nigeria. Study population comprised over 100, 000 worshippers from denominations of faith-based organizations (Christians and Moslems) in Lagos State. Convenience sampling method was used to select 247 participants and volunteers who completed an online survey and comprised sample for this study. The research instrument was a validated modified World Health Organization Step wise approach Global physical activity questionnaire “GPAQ” (WHO, 2018) adopted for data collection. Variables studied include types of worship, mode of worship, level of awareness of physical activities performed, perception of health benefits and factors which affect participation in worship. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, mean and percentages were applied for data analysis which provided answers to the research questions. Chi Square inferential statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that the respondents comprised Christian Pentecostal churches (153), Christian Orthodox (43) and Moslems (48), aged between 21-70 year. The worship sessions had varied patterns of worship and participation in physical activities. Types of worship Yadah, Tehillah, Towdah, Zamar and Barak involve different forms of body and physical movements demonstrated in different religious practices and activities were confirmed by participants. Participants were knowledgeable of health benefits of physical activity to man. Body movements have become essential part of worship, but extent of participation depends on both perceived state of health and psychological disposition of individual worshippers. Study recommends that professionals in Human Kinetics & Health Education should create more awareness on the relationship between worship and physical activity in order to increase time for dance during worship sessions to increase health benefits to reduce prevalence of non- communicable diseases, improve mental health, quality of life and well-being among members of the various faith-based organizations.

Keywords

body movement, exploring, faith based organizations, health dimensions, physical activity

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